Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, KitchenAid: one parts family, four brand names

Refrigerators: Common Issues and Solutions

• Fridge Not Cooling

• Check the temperature settings and adjust if necessary.

• check the condenser coils are clean and free of debris.

• Inspect the door seals for any damage or gaps, and replace if needed.

• check the water supply line is connected and functioning properly.

• Check the ice maker’s on/off switch and check it’s in the ‘on’ position.

• Inspect the freezer temperature and adjust if necessary (should be below 15°F/-9°C).

The french-door evaporator leak worth knowing by name

There is one failure on the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana french-door models that sends people chasing the wrong part. On the dual-evaporator units, the KFIS29, MFT2976, WRF989, and WRF990 families among them, the refrigerator evaporator can develop pinhole-sized leaks that slowly bleed off the refrigerant charge.

The symptoms read like a dozen other problems: slow or no ice, a freezer running warmer than its set-point, and a compressor that runs long or never shuts off. The tell most people miss is a yellow discoloration on the refrigerator evaporator housing, which marks the leak.

Here is the diagnostic trap. On a dual-evaporator system with a low charge, the freezer evaporator shows a partial frost pattern no matter where the leak actually is. So the frost line on the freezer coil does not prove the leak is in the freezer. We read refrigerant pressures and look for the housing discoloration instead of guessing from frost. The repair is the evaporator assembly, plus the compressor if it has gone noisy or stopped cooling. Whirlpool covered this one under a service program on the affected build dates, so the serial number matters too. This is sealed-system work, part of our refrigeration repair service.

Dishwashers: Common Issues and Solutions

• Dishwasher Not Starting

• Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

• check the door is properly closed and latched.

• Inspect the door switch and timer for any malfunctions, and consult a professional if needed.

• Clean the drain filter and check for any blockages in the drain hose.

• Inspect the drain pump for any obstructions or damage, and consult a professional if needed.

Ovens and Ranges: Common Issues and Solutions

• Oven Not Heating or Inaccurate Temperature

• Check the heating elements for any visible damage, and consult a professional if needed.

• Inspect the oven temperature sensor and its wiring for damage or disconnections.

• Calibrate the oven temperature settings according to the owner’s manual.

• Clean the burner ports and check they’re free of debris.

• Inspect the igniter and its connections, and consult a professional if needed.

Washing Machines: Common Issues and Solutions

• Washer Not Spinning or Agitating

• Check the lid switch and check it’s properly functioning.

• Inspect the drive belt for any damage or wear, and consult a professional if needed.

• check the water supply hoses are properly connected and not damaged.

• Check the door seal for any damage, and replace if necessary.

When to Consult a Professional

• Refrigerators: cooling problems, faulty ice makers, unusual noises.

• Dishwashers: drainage issues, faulty buttons or timers.

• Ranges and Ovens: non-functioning burners, thermostat issues, faulty elements.

• Washers: spinning problems, water leaks, faulty lids.